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Kirkwood teachers thank board for mentorship and diversity initiatives in public comment
Summary
District staff and a KNEA building representative praised the district’s Teachers of Color mentorship (KTOC), affinity groups and professional development, saying those initiatives strengthen staff practice and student supports.
Two district staff members used the public-comment period to thank the board for support of mentorship and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Janet Meese Reinert, who identified herself as a Kirkwood High School teacher and said she has worked in the district since 1999, credited the district for professional development and mentoring opportunities that shaped her teaching practice. "I've received professional development on Socratic seminars...co-teaching strategies...restorative practices...equity training," she said, adding that those supports helped her grow as an educator and urged the board to remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion work.
Maria Tutsky, a Robinson Elementary teacher who identified herself as a Kirkwood resident and a building association representative for KNEA, thanked the board for continued support of the Kirkwood Teachers of Color mentorship program (KTOC), affinity groups and the district's equity initiatives. Tutsky said the district-provided professional development "has been ongoing, meaningful, professional development that extended some of the work of KTOC to all of our staff" and that it helps staff learn how to be allies and support students of color.
Ending: Both speakers urged ongoing board commitment to these programs and trainings and noted that the supports benefit staff wellbeing and student outcomes.
